Story by Raynald Ngwarati
ZIMBABWE Table Soccer national president, Advocate Coxwell Chigwanha, has been elected to the African Confederation of Table Soccer (CAFT) Executive Board as Secretary General for Resource Mobilisation following elections held in Paris, France this Saturday.
Chigwanha was voted into the powerful continental body during a closely contested election that ushered in a new CAFT leadership to run African table soccer affairs for the next five years, up to 2031.
Campaigning on a platform centred on economic sovereignty, unity and sustainable development for African table soccer nations, the Zimbabwean received overwhelming support from member associations across the continent.
The election also saw Delano Kiki of Benin elected CAFT president, with Fred Tamina of the Democratic Republic of Congo assuming the role of vice president.
Speaking after his election, Chigwanha dedicated the achievement to Zimbabwe, describing it as recognition of the country’s growing influence in continental sport administration.
“I accept this appointment on behalf of my motherland Zimbabwe and view this victory as an endorsement of the tireless efforts Zimbabweans are making to improve the affairs of their country. Zimbabweans are known the world over as serious, hardworking and honest business-minded people, hence the trust shown by over 52 African nations,” Chigwanha said.
Table soccer popularly known as slug in Zimbabwe has recorded rapid growth in recent years, highlighted by Zimbabwe’s comprehensive victory over African powerhouse Ghana last year.
With increased corporate backing from local sponsors, the sport is expected to continue expanding both locally and across the continent.
Chigwanha’s election is widely seen as a major boost for Zimbabwean sport on the African stage and a strategic opportunity to strengthen resource mobilisation and development within African table soccer.
